RD&A Senior Technologist

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Based in our Production Plant located in Tlalnepantla, Estado de México and reporting to the R&D Principal Scientist - Enzyme Fermentation and DSP, the Fermentation Technologist is part of the Fermentation Science Team of the R&D Enzymes department, which provides innovative enzyme solutions for the Beverage, Food, Animal Health Nutrition and Human Nutrition EUM’s.

The fermentation science team is responsible for the continuous improvement of existing enzymes production processes based on fungal and bacterial liquid fermentation, as well as supporting the development and upscale of new enzyme processes. The team is also responsible for technology transfer to manufacturing and troubleshooting support to our production sites in Tlalnepantla, México and Carrigaline, Ireland.

Qualifications and skills

• MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related field. A good background in engineering disciplines is a plus.
• +3 years of hands-on experience in microbial fermentation (Fungal & Bacterial)/cell culture or industrial microbiology, whether in industry or academic setting. Autonomous operation of bioreactor systems with advanced controls (eg. aerobic fed-batch cultivation) is highly advantageous. Experience at pilot scale or in production environment is a plus.
• Competence in general microbiology laboratory practices and aseptic techniques. Experience with molecular biology (WGS, PCR, cloning, etc) or analytical techniques (biochemical assays, Enzymatic Assays, HPLC, etc) is advantageous.
• Competence in writing technical documents such as research reports, SOPs, etc. Proficiency with Excel or other data processing/visualization software is desirable.
• Experience in trouble-shooting of laboratory equipment is advantageous.
• Experience working in collaborative and multi-cultural environments is a plus.
• Able to communicate effectively (fluently, clearly, orally and in writing) in Spanish and in English. Speaking another language is a plus.

Key responsibilities

• Work alongside the Global Fermentation Team in R&D projects aiming to improve production processes (media and process optimization), as well as supporting strain performance testing, or develop new products.
• Actively participate in the formulation of experimental plans, providing critical feedback and creative technical solutions for innovative experimental designs.
• Be responsible for the first-time-right execution of microbiology, fermentation and DSP experiments at benchtop and pilot scale, ensuring quality and throughput.
• Be actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of the pilot plant.
• Coordinate and/or carry out analytical and enzymatic analysis of experimental samples to thoroughly understand the development of each process.
• Process and report all experimental results, supporting the Principal Scientist in reporting to key stakeholders.
• Actively participate in R&D project meetings and reviews, providing critical feedback and technology insight.
• Interact and work remotely with other globally based Kerry staff (e.g. Naas, Carrigaline, located in Ireland), to travel globally and visit in-house sites/facilities.
• Share the responsibility of maintaining the smooth operation of the pilot plant, in terms of maintenance, hygiene, consumables, procedures and QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health and Environment), as well as participating in the selection/commissioning of new equipment.